This year(2025) marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a milestone that resonates deeply in Australia as we reflect on the conclusion of the war in the Pacific. Brisbane, in particular, played a pivotal role as a strategic hub for Allied operations, cementing its place in history.
Brisbane’s rise as a wartime hub
In the wake of the Pearl Harbor attack, Brisbane became a central headquarters for Allied forces. On December 22, 1941, the first U.S. Army forces arrived in the city and established the U.S. Forces in Australia (U.S.F.I.A.) at Lennon’s Hotel. Within weeks, Brisbane’s importance grew as it was designated the primary shipping point for crucial aid to General Douglas MacArthur’s forces in the Philippines.
Dutch contributions to the Allied supply chain
The Dutch merchant fleet, displaced by Japanese expansion into Southeast Asia, became vital to Allied logistics. The Pensacola Convoy, which brought the first U.S. troops to Brisbane, included the Dutch vessel Bloemfontein. Following the fall of the Dutch East Indies, many Dutch ships operated from Brisbane, supporting the Pacific war effort by transporting supplies, troops, and equipment.
Key military commands in Brisbane
In early 1943, the U.S. Sixth Army, known as the “Alamo Force,” was activated in Brisbane, spearheading campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines. The U.S. Seventh Fleet, established in March 1943 under Admiral Arthur S. Carpender, also called Brisbane home. This fleet, which included Dutch warships, played a crucial role in amphibious assaults across the Southwest Pacific.
Submarine operations and naval support
Brisbane became the largest U.S. Navy submarine base outside Pearl Harbor when the U.S.S. Griffin and five submarines arrived at New Farm Wharf on April 12, 1942. This base enabled continuous submarine operations that disrupted Japanese supply lines, further solidifying Brisbane’s strategic significance.
MacArthur’s headquarters in Brisbane
In July 1942, General MacArthur relocated his South West Pacific Area (SWPA) Command Headquarters to the A.M.P. Building in Brisbane. From this base, MacArthur directed pivotal operations that contributed to the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific.
Camp Columbia and the Netherlands East Indies government-in-exile
Camp Columbia, located in Wacol, became an international centre of cooperation in July 1944 when Dutch and Netherlands East Indies (N.E.I.) units were stationed there. On September 14, 1944, the N.E.I. Government-in-Exile was formally established at Camp Columbia, making Brisbane the only Australian city to host a foreign government during the war.
Humanitarian efforts and post-war transition
After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Brisbane shifted from military operations to humanitarian support. Camp Columbia became a hub for refugees, particularly those from Japanese-occupied territories. Many Dutch and European refugees passed through Brisbane on their journey to resettlement.
By 1947, Brisbane’s wartime chapter was drawing to a close. The departure of the last Dutch officials and military personnel from Archerfield Airport marked the end of the Dutch wartime presence in Australia.
A lasting legacy
On December 22, 1947, Brisbane honoured its wartime alliance with the United States by commemorating the “Unknown Soldier,” symbolising the deep ties forged during the war. Today, Brisbane’s WWII legacy endures through its historical sites and the stories of Allied personnel who passed through the city. From military headquarters to a gateway for migrants and refugees, Brisbane’s contributions continue to shape Australia’s post-war identity and its connections across the Pacific. See also: WWII sites in Brisbane.
Paul Budde